KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica government has warned consumers about eating the popular fruit, ackee, saying there have been at least 35 cases of ackee poisoning between December 1, last year and January 12, 2011.
Health official say that ackee should only be picked when ripened and opened naturally on the tree. They say the fruit, which contains high levels of hypoglycin could lead to death if it is not allowed to ripen and open properly.
Symptoms of ackee poisoning include vomiting, stomach cramps/abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhoea and sweating.
Health officials warn that persons experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and should have an aerated beverage while on their way to the health centre or hospital. The Ministry of Health in a statement, said all incidents of ackee poisoning have been from ackees cooked at home. It said there has been no incident involving tinned ackees.
Health Minister Rudyard Spencer said special attention should be paid in ensuring that only fit and well opened ackees are used by householders.
“It cannot be said too often that ackee should be allowed to open naturally and fully on the tree before it is picked and eaten or sold.
“They should not be opened by force, or by using a knife or any other implement. The water that is used to boil the ackee should be discarded immediately and should not be ingested or reused for cooking other foods such as ground provisions and rice,” Spencer said. (CMC)
